Green in Paris

I’m finally getting around to this! I was recently tagged by Lara at Ready2Spark who has started a Green Challenge. She’s asked several bloggers to share tips on what they’re doing to introduce environmental sustainability into their daily lives, and then to pass the challenge on to others. Here are a few things that my family and I are doing over in this neck of the woods:

1. Whenever possible, we try to buy organic produce and use “green” cleaning products. (btw: When I’m in the States, it’s always a bit surprising to see how the term “organic” is being thrown around nowadays. I’m sure I wouldn’t have to look too hard to find a study proving/disproving the level of organic authenticity in a jar of cocktail weenies bought at a roadside 7-11, but who am I to question?) Here in Paris, products labeled organic (or “bio” in French) aren’t as readily on hand as in the States, but you really don’t have to look far. Monoprix and Carrefour both have their own extensive lines of bio products. Naturalia and Biocoop are health-food stores that have several locations around Paris, and there are lots of online websites that deliver bio products to your door. Most of the local produce markets also sell organic on a daily or weekly basis.

2. I’m a member of “Freecycle” in Paris- a grassroots, non-profit community where members can post info on unwanted, free items that are available for pick-up or donation around the city. It’s a great resource to try before throwing out any old appliances, furniture, toys or sports equipment that may still have a bit of life in them.

3. We’ve started teaching our children about water conservation- not letting the water run while they brush their teeth, not flushing unless it’s um..necessary, hand washing (and line drying) smaller laundry items, etc.

Here are a few links to other online organic family resources available in France:

Baby Au Naturel
Bebe Maman Nature
Le Monde de Delea
Baby Walz

Lara asks that we continue the challenge and pass this along to other bloggers, and so I’m tagging:

Polly from Polly Vous Francais

Terrica at The Wedding Planners’ Blog

Catherine at Petite Anglaise

Pass it on!